In a bid to welcome Chief Minister Narendra Modi,Gujarat University has postponed the preliminary exams of all affiliated colleges. The examinations were scheduled from February 12.

Vice-Chancellor Parimal Trivedi has shot a letter asking all the students to be present at the function.

Modi will inaugurate the University Main Gate,Lokarpan Information Centre,Kargil Water Park,World Language Laboratory,Human Genetic Research Department,the Geo Informatics Climate Change Department and lay the foundation stone of the Examination Centre before addressing the students.

In the circular to the colleges,Trivedi has requested them to postpone examinations so that the students can attend the functions.

While students unions and some principals have strongly objected to the move,a few colleges,including Bhavans College,and

The Chief Minister will be visiting the Gujarat University after almost a year. Last time,he had come to address a programme when Astronaut Sunita Williams had visited the varsity.

A National Students Union of India (NSUI) leader,on conditions of anonymity,said: Such requests are generally disguised compulsions and will only hamper the students interests. Moreover,even if a college principal decides to postpone,students have not been consulted. We will launch a movement against the vice-chancellor.

Saurav Choksi,the president of the College Principals Association,said: In the last meeting,we were asked not to postpone the exams. But now,we have to as it is a CMs function. However,whether all the colleges have agreed to it,it is not clear at the moment.

Even as students and principals said they believe that the request is sort of a compulsion,Executive Council Member of the University Manish Doshi said the circular is meant to compel colleges to reschedule their exam dates.

He said: Whether college principals come out openly or not,all colleges are being compelled to strike off examinations on the 12th. Four colleges have already rescheduled their examination dates. But even if it affects the students,they were not consulted.

Trivedi,however,said,We have not compelled any college and have just given them the power to decide,so that participation remains flexible.